It’s the Perfect Time to Remember That 24 Years Ago Today, TV’s Most Thrilling Action Series First Premiered

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It’s amazing how fast time passes! Today marks the 24th anniversary of 24, the action-packed drama that revolutionized television. The show first aired on Fox on November 6, 2001, and over its run (from 2001 to 2010, with revivals in 2014 and 2017), it redefined action TV, sparked a wave of innovative programming, and became a major cultural force in the 21st century.

With 24 now hitting its 24th anniversary, there couldn’t be a better time to revisit it.

24 Helped Pioneer The Era of High-Concept TV

We’re used to ambitious TV shows now, but when 24 first aired, it was a huge cultural moment. Its innovative format – each hour-long episode taking place in real-time during a day-long counter-terrorism investigation – was groundbreaking. The show even used a ticking clock to emphasize this ‘real-time’ concept. Looking back, 24 took its format a little too seriously. Seasons often felt stretched to reach 24 episodes, and commercials (or later, streaming without commercials) disrupted the illusion. Plus, the constant twists and turns made each day seem unrealistically full. Nevertheless, it’s clear that 24 paved the way for shows like HBO Max’s The Pitt, which also uses a real-time structure, and its influence is now a common part of television.

Beyond its own success, 24 significantly impacted action television. Shows like Justified, Jack Ryan, Banshee, Strike Back, Burn Notice, The Black List, Nikita, Cover Affairs, S.W.A.T., The Terminal List, Reacher, Lioness, and even Star Wars’ Andor all benefited from the groundwork 24 laid in popularizing stories about spies, terrorists, and the agencies that fight them – establishing the genre as a staple of television alongside medical and police dramas.

24 Helped Heal A Nation That Was Reeling

The show 24 premiered on November 6, 2001, just weeks after the September 11th attacks. This timing was crucial. Kiefer Sutherland’s character, Jack Bauer, quickly became more than just another tough TV detective. He resonated deeply with a nation still shaken by 9/11 and became a symbol of the post-9/11 era under President George W. Bush. Bauer embodied American strength and represented the often-hidden work of intelligence and military forces dedicated to national security. He also served as a powerful symbol for many Americans, representing the country’s firm response to terrorism and offering reassurance that efforts were underway to prevent future tragedies like 9/11.

That symbolism, however, proved to be complicated. Jack Bauer quickly became a representation of America’s rage and desire for revenge after terrorist attacks. By the late 2000s, as Barack Obama became president and many of the Bush administration’s policies on war and counter-terrorism were criticized, Jack Bauer was increasingly seen as a negative figure. He came to symbolize the controversial, and sometimes unethical, practices of that earlier era, particularly things like torture and the balance between civil liberties and national security.

Beyond Kiefer Sutherland’s performance, 24 offered surprisingly complex characters in positions of power – including a president who foreshadowed Obama and another involved in foreign corruption. The show also delved into issues like the military-industrial complex and American foreign policy, all within a fast-paced, thrilling format. However, the show’s relentless action, suspense, and unexpected plot twists were ultimately what kept viewers hooked for so long.

24 Needs A(nother) Revival

Honestly, things happening in America today are crazier than anything I’ve ever seen on 24! It really makes me think it’s time for the show to come back. I heard last year they were maybe thinking about a 24 movie, but we haven’t gotten any solid news since then. I’m hoping they actually make it happen!

The TV show 24 has faced challenges with revivals. When a sequel series, 24: Legacy, was released in 2017, fans weren’t very enthusiastic. Like previous seasons, Legacy struggled to maintain the fast-paced, real-time format (it was shortened to 12 hours) and relied on unlikely plot twists to tie everything together. But the biggest issue was that Legacy didn’t offer a fresh perspective or new ideas; it felt like the original show with a different lead, Eric Carter (Corey Hawkins), who couldn’t quite live up to the impact of Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer.

A new installment of 24 would be well-timed. The lines between legitimate government and corruption are increasingly unclear, the definition of “terrorism” has broadened to include both internal and external threats, and intense political division has significantly altered the role of intelligence agencies. Many believe this combination of factors has left the country unusually vulnerable, especially when considering the impact of digital media, artificial intelligence, and the spread of false information. With anxiety levels high, America might once again benefit from a strong symbol of stability and security.

A revival of 24 is possible, and Kiefer Sutherland could reprise his role as Jack Bauer – perhaps as a seasoned spy who relies more on intelligence than physical combat, leaving the action to a younger character. The show’s strongest seasons focused on complex plots involving betrayal and conspiracy within the highest levels of government, and this type of political thriller feels particularly relevant right now, offering viewers a way to process current frustrations.

For now, you can stream all seasons of 24 on Hulu-Disney+.

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2025-11-06 16:12